In response to the frigid forecast, Arlington has opened its doors to the homeless community with their Homeless Emergency Weather Shelter Plan in effect from Saturday evening through Monday morning. Activated due to temperatures threatening to plunge below 39 degrees for several hours at night, this emergency measure provides refuge for those without homes during the perilous chill, as reported by the City of Arlington.
The Salvation Army administers the primary shelter location, situated at 712 West Abram St., offering check-in times from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. both nights, and check out set at 8 a.m. the subsequent mornings; for those brought in by Arlington's finest, the Arlington Police Department, after hours entries are also accommodated and breakfast is a small reprieve set to be served come dawn, as per the City of Arlington. With capacity limited to 30 individuals at The Salvation Army shelter, First United Methodist Church at 407 N. Mesquite St. stands ready for spillover, able to house an additional 20 souls in need.
For those simply seeking to escape the cold during the day, Arlington's Public library branches open their doors during the usual business hours, giving a warm space for anyone needing to thaw, although these services are not available on holidays.
